Knowing vs. Believing

Do i really believe Jesus did it...completely? or do I just talk a decent game? Do I just think i believe it? I think if I fully believed that Jesus, in its completeness, erased my sins, rescued me from hopelessness and depression, has given me a regenerate heart and filled me with the Holy Spirit, then I would  be a whole lot more thankful toward Him and quick to give him his due worship and live a life of full surrender.

I know i have a regenerate heart and am full of God's Spirit. I know Jesus willingly gave his life on the Cross, and rose to life. I know, I know, I know...that's the problem, but how does this bleed into my heart in a way that belief results in a different more appreciative and appropriate attitude of praise, love, surrender toward the One who gave up everything for me?

Holy Spirit...I want to be changed...obviously i want to live differently, but more than that...I want to be in love with you!!! You've done all the work up to this point...may I not try to take control or rely on my self to change any longer...Help me love you!!!

Scripture-"...stay away from any christian who lives in idleness and doesn't follow the tradition of hard work we gave you." (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

Observation-Paul writes this letter and is asking for prayer that the Gospel would spread rapidly and honor Jesus. He prays for the Thessalonian church to gain increasingly in their understanding and experience of God's love...then says to stay away from idle Christian who are pursuing Jesus and not doing their part in the community of believers. At first this doesn't sound like love...but continues to say not to look at them as your enemy, but look on them and treat them with love, pray for them and hope that they come to repentance and fall back in love with Jesus and become a functioning part of the body. I make the assumption too, that if we are around these idlers, we might become lazy and idle as well.

Application-I must make a hard run at a couple of my friends who are not on fire...but are just existing in life right now. My prayer and hope is that they would find satisfaction in the Lord and remain in him. Also...I must pursue a guy about my age who is deeply following Jesus and stay close to him, and challenge each other.

Prayer-Lord, keep me close to you...may the Gospel truly spread rapidly in this city. May you bring those I have in mind back to you in deep hunger of you. Build up on my relationship with ________ and grus us together. May me and Aimee also stay close to you and follow the example of those before us.

S.O.A.P.-May 15 "Biblical relationships?...scary!"

Scripture-"...Christ will make our hearts strong, blameless, and holy when you stand before God our Father on the day when our Lord Jesus comes with all those who belong to him." (1 Thessalonians 3:13)

Observation-Jesus...through Paul is explains that our heart finds strength, righteousness, and holiness by way outside ourselves...but through the overflowing love, caused by Jesus, back and forth between Christian brothers and sisters (friends, family, small group, leaders, spouse, etc...), just as Paul's life exemplified.

Application-I must seek real and deep friendships within my home group, life, and wife. Relationships that allows me to expose my soul, thoughts, and sinful motives...but also my victories...visa versa!

Prayer-Lord Jesus, May you lead my heart to be soft, repentant, proactive and discerning in my journey toward biblical relationships. It's not easy...Holy Spirit...help me love and obey you.

Some fun pics from the last couple of months

I know it's been a long time...me and aimee are blogging again...I'll be posting my SOAP's for our students to visit as we walk with Jesus together. Glad to be back!!! here's a new video

S.O.A.P.-May 14 "what am i wearing?"

Scripture-"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts." (Colossians 3:1-2a)

Observation-Paul is reminding the church to continually change our spiritual outfit. We need to get rid of the earthly attitudes and behaviors...dawn Christ-like attitudes and behaviors...but it begins with where we are putting our mind and the thoughts we think.

Application-When I get bored of God, or feel far away from God, or even find myself in repeating sin...my mind might be set on earthly things. I must begin thinking of heavenly things more...or just plain remind me of this scripture.

Prayer-Jesus...sir in me the reminder of my new identity in you. Help me think about you and things that you're about throughout my day. I need your help loving you.